UK's 10 worst areas for car theft after £375,000 Ferrari supercar stolen
The UK’s top 10 areas for car crime have been unveiled with the West Midlands topping the list, according to new analysis from WhatCar?
Based on population figures, West Midlands is the most dangerous place for car thefts in the nation with 2.64 vehicles stolen for every 100,000 people living in the region.
DVLA data analysed by the motoring experts revealed that a total of 7,694 vehicles were stolen in the area last year.
London recorded more individual thefts than any other area with 14,106 cars taken from road users.
However, this only equates to 1.58 cars per 100,000 people based on the capital's population of 8,908,081 individuals.
South Yorkshire was next with 1,979 thefts working out at 1.41 car crimes per 100,000 people.
This was followed by Essex (1.38), Bristol (1.09) and West Yorkshire (1.02).
Despite not topping the list, What Car? consumer editor Claire Evans warned London was still one of the biggest hotspots for car crime with road users urged to take action.
Claire explained: “Car crime is far more of a problem in Greater London and other major cities, and here as in other areas it’s important for motorists to take simple measures to combat theft.
“Always leave your car in a well-lit area and check it is locked because 80 per cent of thefts take place at night and 44 per cent of cars are accessed via an unlocked door.”
According to WhatCar?, vehicles between four and 12 years old are the most likely to be stolen by thieves.
However, it did not stop some top-of-the-range models from being snatched from owners with a 2024 Ferrari Purosangue worth £375,000 among those snatched.
A stunning 2023 Rolls Royce Cullinan valued at £270,000 was also stolen as was a £250,000 2024 Lamborghini Huracan.
Despite this, WhatCar? data shows that only 648 brand new cars were taken last year making these models less of a target.
Cars stolen per 100,000 people- West Midlands - 2.64
- Greater London - 1.58
- South Yorkshire - 1.41
- Essex - 1.38
- Bristol - 1.09
- West Yorkshire - 1.02
- Warwickshire - 0.99
- Hertfordshire - 0.98
- Greater Manchester - 0.96
- Bedfordshire - 0.91
Daily Express
